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The Best Tenders for Yachts in 2024

Tenders in a nutshell

A tender is a boat that services a larger vessel (referred to as the mothership ). It can take many forms and deliver a wide range of conveniences.

Historically called ‘ship’s boats, ‘ tenders have supported large vessels for centuries. They have been used for guest transfers, refuge boats, landing crafts, stowed on deck or towed astern—little has changed! 

Whilst the vast majority of tenders employed by smaller yachts are typically rigid inflatable boats, the modern-day superyacht considers a multitude of vessels indispensable.

Hull categories

We’ve been specialising in building boat tenders for over a decade, yet with such a degree of cross-over and with a seemingly endless request for custom configurations, categorising tenders remains a challenge.

Nonetheless, at the top-most level, we categorise all tenders under one of the following three hull types:

Fully Inflatable A lightweight vessel relying solely on inflation for buoyancy. 

Rigid Inflatable A vessel with a hull constructed from rigid materials such as aluminium or fibreglass, supported with an inflatable or foam collar for added buoyancy in high seas. 

Rigid   A fully rigid hull without a buoyancy collar of any type.

Tender sub-categories

In addition to hull type, we can identify most yacht tenders under the following sub-categories:

⌾ Open ⌾ Chase ⌾ Classic ⌾ Foil ⌾ Catamaran ⌾ Dive

What is an open tender?

An open tender is principally a single-deck boat with no enclosed cabin. Chiefly a guest transfer boat with ample seating both forward and aft, open tenders are day boats without accommodation above or below deck.

While we see many open tenders dedicated to guest transfers, by their very nature, they can also incorporate centre console boats, some dive boats, landing crafts, and even limousines.

What is a chase tender?

As the name suggests, a chase tender—which can also be an open tender—follows the mothership.

Chase boats can take on many guises since their main attribute is size. As a result, they are generally not stored on board but instead towed astern.

Often very angular in design, with excellent seaworthiness, chase boats need to be able to withstand the rigours of being towed by the mothership. Whilst a lot of large chase tenders can be operated entirely independently, towing very long distances (such as transatlantic) is not advised.

What is a classic tender?

Tenders with the hallmark of classic design are styled with an exquisite, continuous line from the head to the heel.

Echoing the lacquered freeboards of a Riva Ariston or the flawless veneers of a Hinckley picnic boat, a modern classic from the likes of J Craft or Wajer will feature a gracefully tapered form, avoiding right angles altogether.

What is a foiling tender?

Combining thrust with lift (as an aeroplane does), high-speed tenders have the opportunity also to become airborne.

Less drag, higher speeds and lower energy consumption are the key advantages, although from a guest comfort perspective, being elevated above a big swell scores very highly.

What is a catamaran tender?

Largely associated with utility boats, catamaran tenders (not to be confused with catamaran sailboats) present superyacht owners with a number of major advantages over their mono-hulled counterparts.

Favoured as a utility vessel, a twin-hulled catamaran can be built much wider than an equivalent-length vessel with a mono hull. It offers increased stability and, therefore, a more comfortable ride in bigger seas. Thanks to a smaller surface area, there’s also less drag, which results in faster speeds and higher efficiency.

What is a dive tender?

We build tenders optimised specifically for scuba diving, however, given the range of crossover in the market, the likes of amphibious boats, beachlanders, some centre consoles, landing crafts, open tenders, RIBs and utility boats can also work perfectly well for diving.

Storage, floor space and, most importantly, the convenience of easy access to the water are key attributes of a versatile dive boat tender.

The right tender for the job

So far we’ve categorised our tenders — now to define which tender is best suited to which scenario.

Amphibious Tender

✓ Rigid ✓ Rigid Inflatable ✓ Open ✓ Chase ✓ Tow or stow

Sharp stones, steep drop-offs, inclement weather, and changing tides needn’t worry your crew when you have the luxury of an amphibious tender. Visit almost any secluded cove or spit with virtually no risk of becoming stranded or beached.

Go where other boats simply wouldn’t dare, landing on shorelines in rough breaks and on rugged terrain. Be sure to do your homework, though, as most beaches and marinas will require permission to stroll out the sea on an amphibious tender.

Beachlander Tender

We are all about time spent on the water, but the sensation of stepping off a tender onto the warm sand is in itself a joy to behold. We don’t mean clambering over the side of a rib and bouncing awkwardly into the shallows. We mean stepping from a dry boat onto dry sand.

Whether you intend to spend the day in your swimmers or are off for an island excursion, getting wet feet before you begin should be a choice. 

We offer a beachlander option on all of our aluminium rigid inflatable boats .

Classic Daysailer

✓ Rigid ✓ Open ✓ Classic ✓ Stow

Strip back the layers of modernity that clothe large motor yachts and delve into a tactile sailing experience with a classic daysailer.   Built a short distance upriver from SYTT, the Spirit R30 is a daysailer that marries cinematic elegance with unparalleled craftsmanship.    Born from the same yard that graced the silver screen in iconic Bond films such as Casino Royale  and No Time To Die , this 9.2m yacht epitomises timelessness with its exquisite wooden construction.    Small sailing boats like the R30 can be de-rigged and stowed, nestled within a yacht’s garage or gracefully perched on deck.

Center Console

✓ Rigid ✓ Open ✓ Chase ✓ Tow or stow

Synonymous with the Florida Keys, the traditional centre console (or center console in the US), is typically a single-deck boat with the helm in the middle.

Geared towards recreational fishing, the centre console maximises the floor space while, crucially, allowing for full access around all sides of the boat. On smaller boats, seating is often sacrificed for floor space, while larger centre consoles fitted with cabins creep into the Sports Fisher sector.

Not intended to be an especially dry boat, both crew and guests are often exposed to the elements. The upshot is that centre consoles and, more so, sports fishers, tend to offer huge power, which is especially useful for long day trips from the mainland.

High-performance

‘Go-fast’ boats, as the name suggests, are built exclusively for speed. More commonly known as ‘cigarette boats’ due to their shape, go-fast boats are not for the faint-hearted. 

A craze immortalised by the Cigarette Racing Team, modern-day cigar boats can achieve speeds of over 100 knots. Largely impractical as a conventional superyacht tender, the range of high-performance boats have thankfully branched more into Centre Consoles. In turn, this presents superyacht owners with a high-performance chase boat of an almost unimaginable spec.

Landing Craft

✓ Rigid ✓ Rigid Inflatable ✓ Inflatable ✓ Open ✓ Chase ✓ Catamaran ✓ Dive ✓ Tow or stow

A vessel with a very military feel, a landing craft tender is designed to carry everything, including vehicles, from yacht to shore. 

With our ROAM Landing Craft, a button-operated super-strength bow ramp enables drive-on, drive-off capabilities, ideal for disembarking heavy items where lifting facilities are not available at shore.

Our landing crafts are built with a catamaran hull for enhanced stability. We also manufacture high-quality fold-up motorised boats.

Limousine Tender

✓ Rigid ✓ Open ✓ Classic ✓ Foil ✓ Stow

Surely the ultimate statement of sophistication — the limousine tender is the pinnacle mode of guest transfer.

A range of 6-14m and accommodating up to eighteen guests in consummate luxury, a fully enclosed guest cabin will often mirror the furnishings of the mothership.

Picnic Boat

✓ Rigid ✓ Chase ✓ Classic ✓ Stow

If leisure cruising and lunching were your only pursuit, you’d surely have a picnic boat. The quintessential day cruiser, a picnic boat is unequivocally designed for rest and relaxation on the water.

Inspired by the lobster boats of Maine, where the sloping rails from bow to stern made it easier for lobstermen to haul in their traps, the symbolic Picnic Boat represents everything exciting and romantic about a day out on the water.

Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB)

✓ Rigid Inflatable ✓ Open ✓ Dive ✓ Tow or stow

The workhorse tender of any yacht is the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB). Robust, versatile, and highly manoeuvrable, RIBs typically offer speed, buoyancy, and good handling on high seas. 

A foam or inflatable collar provides extra buoyancy in the event of taking on water, while in the case of RIB boats —which have a high deadrise—also acts as a spray rail for keeping the deck dry. Popular with superyachts, RIBs can be towed or stowed and used for a wide range of purposes.

✓ Rigid ✓ Open ✓ Dive ✓ Stow

Nothing allows us to explore an affinity with water quite like the experience of wakeboarding, wake surfing and water skiing.

We specialise in wake boat customisation, supplying specifically to superyachts.

SOLAS Rescue Tender

✓ Rigid Inflatable ✓ Inflatable ✓ Stow

In accordance with the International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), all ships over 500GT (typically 50m+) must carry at least one fully compliant SOLAS Rescue Vessel (and a complement of life rafts). The rescue vessel must be stowed onboard and cannot be towed astern or located on a support vessel.

SOLAS Rescue Vessels must be able to carry five seated persons and a person lying on a stretcher. They must also have an automatic self-righting capability and the engine must be restartable following a capsize. Stable in a seaway (and deployable when the mothership is doing 5 knots), rescue boats may be either rigid or inflated and need to be operable in water that is 1-30°C. They also need to be able to start in -30°C air temperature.

First adopted in 1914, the SOLAS Convention was initiated as a direct response to the Titanic disaster. The Convention in use today is often referred to as the “SOLAS, 1974, as amended”. 

For any help and advice relating to SOLAS requirements, contact our team who have a depth of knowledge on the subject.

SOLAS Lifeboats

✓ Rigid ✓ Stow Unlike a SOLAS Rescue Vessel that can be inflatable or rigid hull, a lifeboat must have the latter.

Painted bright orange—or Pantone 144—a lifeboat can have a LOA no less than 7.3m.

Sports Fisher

✓ Rigid ✓ Tow

A close relative of both the Central Console and High-performance categories, a Sports Fisher is a dedicated recreational fishing boat. Despite the wide range of boats within this category, the Flybridge Sports Fisher is the most synonymous with the name. 

Large boats, often up to 25m, the archetypal fisher is perfectly suited to lengthy, deep-sea fishing trips. Typically built with berths, heads, a galley and a tower (perhaps even a live bait tank, too), a Sports Fsher is for serious big game fishing enthusiasts.

It’s quite a commitment for a superyacht when a large open or utility tender with rod holders would probably be just as effective if big game fishing was less of a priority.

Utility Tender

✓ Rigid Inflatable ✓ Inflatable ✓ Open ✓ Chase ✓ Catamaran ✓ Dive ✓ Tow or stow

A utility tender is the most versatile boat on the list. Ticking almost every box, a utility boat is somewhat open to interpretation. As much an entire category as it is an individual tender, a utility boat could easily take the form of a landing craft or open RIB.

Both promote an open deck space and satisfy the needs of crew in all manner of tasks, including the general movement of equipment and vehicles, refuge and provision runs, and guest and crew transfers.

Enquire now

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How To Choose the Best New RIB or Tender for Your Cruising Boat

Here’s a basic primer with solid information about how to choose the best RIB or tender for your cruising boat. It was written by Keith McVeigh for Leopard Catamarans, but the information applies to all cruising boats, and it might help you make an informed decision.

By Keith McVeigh

You’ve bought your boat. But now you need a boat for your boat. A yacht tender is a vital part of any yacht– it is your ticket to freedom.

Instead of being confined to marinas, a tender provides you the luxury to drop anchor, and still have access to all of the places on land that you would like to go. Avoid crowded marinas, enjoy the ocean breeze, and sleep in peace. Plus, if you are not a catamaran docking master just yet, you can avoid putting on a show for the whole marina to see.

Not only are tenders a thrill to zip around in, they are a practical piece of equipment and something that will be considered during your yacht purchase.

What is a RIB?

Rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) are generally the first choice of cruisers because of the many benefits they offer owners. These are inflatable tenders with rigid hulls, which provide the performance and strength of a solid boat.  The hulls are typically made of fiberglass or aluminum, which allow you to cruise through chop, but you’ll probably want to hold on tight.  Another added bonus to a RIB is the inflatable tubes on the topsides, which help avoid abrasions to other vessels (and your vessel) when approaching as they provide a fender-like support system.

This type of tender is hard to tip over and can be loaded with many people, toys and provisions. Among all of the other tenders they are very maneuverable and, when in a busy marina, they are easy to pull in, as the inflatable hull will not damage other tenders when bumping your way in. The rigid hull also makes it easier to pull onto a sandy beach. Don’t forget your tender anchor to stop the tender from drifting off when the tide comes in.

Size, bottom material and engine selection

Size and weight are always a trade-off. Sure, you can get that 12 foot dinghy to load up with provisions, but you must also consider that if it is just a party of two pulling up to the beach, you may have a difficult time beaching the boat.

Your choices for the bottom of your RIB are either aluminum or fiberglass. While aluminum is lighter and more durable, a fiberglass hull is quieter and steadier.

Another thing you will consider when choosing your RIB will be the addition of an outboard. Some of the most popular engines on the market are Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda and Mercury. Outboards can range from 3-6 HP, but for those cruisers who have a need for speed (and enjoy being on plane) your best option will be somewhere around 8-15 HP. Read more:

https://blog.leopardcatamarans.com/selecting-the-right-tender? fbclid=IwAR0PvcNjYWUWoJ_MJPIxQ00rkaHtLWUyULo55YYomJs3ORienFPTgdV_gDI

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The Best Yacht Tenders: Customizing Your Yachting Adventures

Thinking of buying a tender for your yacht, or maybe going for a small and comfortable way to get around the waterways? There are a lot of tenders on the market, so how do you know which engine, style, and construction are best for you? At Argos Nautic , we're here to help yacht owners and boating enthusiasts find the luxury tender their yacht deserves. No matter what your boating needs are — transportation, cruising, fishing, watersports, etc. — we can craft the best tender on the market.

What is a Yacht Tender?

A yacht tender is more than just a small boat used to transport people and supplies to and from a yacht. Tenders can represent adventure, convenience, luxury, and fun outside of the mothership. With the right tender, you can elevate your yachting experience and enjoy more time out on the open seas.

Yacht tenders are typically designed to be lightweight, easily maneuverable, and capable of withstanding various weather conditions. They can be constructed from a variety of materials, each with its own advantages and considerations.

Yacht Tender Material

You'll find fiberglass and aluminum dinghies on the tender market, but the Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) stands out as the preferred style for many yacht owners, and for good reasons.

RIBs offer exceptional stability and buoyancy due to their deep-V hull design and inflatable tubes. They are highly maneuverable, making docking and navigating in congested areas easier. Maneuverability is specifically important when operating so close to larger vessels. Rigid hull inflatable boats are versatile, serving various purposes and providing ample space for center consoles, seating, and storage. They are durable, with materials like ORCA Hypalon 110 tubing that offers resistance to UV rays, abrasion, and punctures. The combination of a rigid hull and inflatable tubes ensures safety and makes RIBs reliable even in rough waters.

When deciding to go for a RIB instead of a fiberglass one of the most important things to consider is weight. Mounting a heavy fiberglass tender on a platform sometimes is not an option. Even better, lighter weight means better fuel efficiency, making a rigid inflatable yacht tender a clear winner.

Engines on Yacht Tenders

Of course, the engine that powers your tender makes all the difference in performance, maintenance, and versatility. Every boater is different, so the engine that works best for one might not offer the performance required by another. That's where options are important.

A reliable outboard engine is going to be the most common. Modern outboards are perfect for a tender, running smoothly, quietly, and efficiently with very low fuel consumption. Plus, they are easy to maintain and more cost-effective than alternatives.

Jet engines are taking over the tender market. A jet tender offers a personalized watercraft experience. Its balance and speed allow it to get up on the plane easily. Plus, thanks to its shallow draft and flat bottom design, a jet tender has the unique capability to access super shallow water that is inaccessible to other types of boats.

To take yacht tenders to the next level, diesel engines can power larger models and offer a truly luxurious experience. Diesel engines might come with a higher price tag, but this price is accompanied by convenience, performance, and luxury boating. Powered by a conventional diesel inboard marine engine , diesel tenders run on the same fuel as your mothership. Plus, they give you the long service life, efficiency, and reliability that diesel engines are renowned for.

The best tender engine is going to depend on your needs, preferences, and budget - which is why Argos Nautic offers all three of these quality engines.

Pairing Your Yacht With a Luxury Tender

Sure, you can buy any old dinghy on the market, throw it next to your big boat and call it a day, but you and your yacht both deserve better. Better style, better performance, and most importantly, customization. A luxury yacht tender means one-of-one, expertly crafted, and designed to complement your yacht. At Argos Nautic, we can custom design every tender to match or complement the upholstery, paint colors, and any other detail that makes your yacht the best.

The Best Tenders Offer It All

Sure, tenders are made to transport you to and from your vessel, but it surely doesn't have to stop there. When searching for the best tender, versatility is key. A versatile yacht tender offers a wide range of use cases, making it a valuable, more enjoyable asset for yacht owners and boat lovers.

Of course, it serves as a reliable means of transportation, shuttling passengers and supplies between the yacht and the shore. But, its maneuverability and performance allow for the exploration of coastlines, coves, and islands, providing opportunities for sightseeing and discovery. Equipped with water sports gear, the tender becomes a thrilling platform for activities like wakeboarding, water skiing, and tubing. For fishing enthusiasts, it offers access to shallow fishing spots and secluded grounds. Diving and snorkeling trips are made convenient with a tender, facilitating transport to dive sites and exploration of coral reefs. It is also perfect for beach exploration, island picnics, and providing emergency assistance or rescue operations. With a versatile yacht tender, the world is your oyster.

The Best Yacht Tender on the Market

At Argos Nautic , we understand RIB tenders — the practicality, versatility, and performance they can offer. What's more is we understand luxury — style, ergonomics, and features that will meet the highest standards and match the most luxurious yachts. With the most experience, the best technology, and unmatched attention to detail, we've crafted the best tender models on the market.

Located in Miami, Florida, we custom design, handcraft, and ship our tenders to any yacht owner around the world. Explore our range of tender models and trust Argos Nautic to make your tender dreams a reality.

The GT Series

The GT is our classic tender model, boosting a powerful and reliable outboard engine. Both GT models offer a smooth ride at a top speed of 40mph. If a high-performing tender in a convenient size is what you're looking for, our GT11 is the way to go. For larger vessels, the GT14 offers the same level of luxury, style, and comfort in a longer configuration.

The JET Series

If you're looking for a little more versatility and speed in your tender experience, our JET Series is a no-brainer. With its jet propulsion system, this series offers exceptional maneuverability, allowing for precise handling and agile navigation in tight spaces and congested areas. Both tender models use a shallow draft, granting access to shallow waters and secluded locations that may be unreachable by other tender types. With impressive acceleration and maximum speed, our JET Series provides thrilling experiences and unmatched versatility.

The Diesel Series

If a superyacht tender is what you're looking for, the Diesel Series is our largest tender offering with ample storage space, a modular design, fuel efficiency, and amazing performance. This boat can help you do it all - cruise around the bay, go out diving, waterski, take a dip off the swim platform, you name it. The Diesel 15 and 17 are open tenders that can hold up to 7 and 9 passengers to take friends and family on every boating adventure.

Advancing the Tender Market

As a custom RIB manufacturer, our goal is to offer our clients the best, most personalized tender solutions on the market. Whether you're looking at outboard , jet , or diesel engines, all Argos Nautic tenders serve the same purpose. Delivering the best performance style and comfort to yacht owners around the world. Every detail of these tenders has been designed to make heads turn, beautiful custom colors make each tender unique, and the sporty looks are complimented with carlike comfort in upholstery ergonomics, materials, top-of-the-line accessories, and incomparable quality making Argos Nautic tenders feel less like a support boat and more like the main event.

At Argos Nautic, we cater to our clients offering customization on preferences and delivering dreams.

Explore our tender options, design your personal model, and contact us today for more information.

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Our platforms are built to the highest standards to survive the harshest env ironments. Our RIBS are in use in the Military, worldwide, every day, any weather.

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Our platforms are built to the highest standards to survive the harshest environments. Our RIBS are in use in the Military, worldwide, every day, any weather.

Whether you are looking for your new Yacht tender, High Performance Adventure RIB, or SOLAS tender; HURRICANE™ is bringing the heritage of over 30 years of expertise in design and uncompromised performance.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Hurricane ensures the best quality and performances to its customers.

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Thanks to our leadership on the professional and military market (with Zodiac Milpro), we can offer complete solutions with the most performant materials and options.

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Customize Your Ride: The Argos Nautic GT14 RIB Tender

• By David Schmidt
• September 16, 2024

The Argos Nautic GT14 is a six-person center-console RIB that is intended to serve as a can-do tender for 70- to 100-foot yachts. Owners can customize each GT14, including upholstery, paint, Hypalon tube textures and colors, and rub-rail aesthetics so the tender can match the mothership in various ways.

Whom It’s For: Yacht owners who want a capable, stylish and highly customizable side ride.

Picture This: Your main ride is berthed at the Harborside Inn Marina in Edgartown, Massachusetts, on Martha’s Vineyard, but the breeze is on and your friends want to go kiteboarding. You load up your Argos Nautic GT14 tender and cruise over to Cape Poge Bay’s protected waters for some fun in the sun. Everyone has a blast, and you make it back in time for dinner at the Atlantic Fish & Chop House.  

Take the next step: argosnautic.com/gt14

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How to buy the best tender

From foldables to ribs, the range of inflatable and rigid-hulled craft that can serve as yacht tenders is bewilderingly varied. Which is the right one for you? James Jermain investigates

Transoms, ribs, rigids and folding: the range of dinghies used for tenders is many and varied. But there is general agreement, at least in the marketplace, that a medium-sized, inflatable dinghy, with a transom and an inflatable floor is the tender of choice for most cruising yachts.

So why are they so popular? Are they always best and what should you look for?

The popular choice

The reasons small to medium-sized inflatables are so popular are not hard to find:

– They are tough and durable – You can bump into things without doing damage – They are comparatively light – They fold away into a reasonable small space – They are very stable – They have a high load capacity – They work well under power and are reasonably efficient under oars – Your feet remain dry with the floor inflated – There is one at a price to suit you, from under £400 to nearly £2,000

With such a wide price range there are clearly big differences between the large number of brands. The main variables are:

Size Inflatables suitable for yacht tenders start at around 2.00m (6ft 6in). This is an adequate size for a small yacht and will be capable of taking two people safely with a small (2 to 2.5hp) outboard.

To carry four in safety in choppy conditions you will need to go up to 2.90m (9ft 6in) or more.

Inflatables this size will take a 10hp motor although this might be heavy to handle. A popular size is 2.60m (8ft 6in), which will take three adults and maybe a child and is a good balance between capacity, size and weight.

It is easily launched from a small foredeck, weighs a portable 30kg or so and packs down to a stowable size.

Materials Generally, the more expensive the inflatable, the better quality the material. At the top of the tree is Hypalon which has the longest warranty period (ten years).

Most dinghies use PVC-coated fabrics. The heavier the material, by and large, the more durable it will be. Fabric life warranty will be around five years.

Tubes Dinghies of yacht tender size usually have two or three inflation compartments plus floor and keel.

For safety the more the better but for easy inflation and deflation, two is enough. Tube diameter is also important. Fatter tubes keep backsides further from the water, provide a softer ride and keep water where it belongs.

On the other hand big tubes are heavier, bulkier and more expensive.

The alternatives Just because the vast majority of tenders rowing or puttering across the harbour have essentially the same configuration, doesn’t necessarily make it the best for you.

There are alternatives and they have advantages.

They combine many of the best features of sports boats and pure inflatables. But the rigid hull means they are comparatively heavy and do not fold down for stowage on board.

They are best for larger boats or those that carry the tender in davits. They can be fitted with larger engines so can double as a fun boat and as a tender for accessing a remote mooring.

Rigids Few yachts will carry a rigid dinghy on board these days. Difficult or impossible to stow, launch and recover they are just too inconvenient. But as a means of transporting people and kit from shore to a remote mooring they still have advantages.

Tough, easy to row and power, they also have high internal volume for a given size. They can be used as a sailing tender and children’s fun boat once anchored for the day.

Foldables There are a few folding semi-rigid dinghies on the market. The former is a multi-purpose sailing dinghy/ tender that can be stowed along the sidedeck of cruisers from about 10m upwards.

They are vulnerable in bad weather offshore and not particularly good load carriers but for family fun, during a holiday cruise, they can be a good choice.

This article was first published in Your Yacht 2006

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11 Tenders That Might Be Even More Fun Than Your Superyacht

These tenders range from a classic wooden aquarama to limousine models to advanced electric hydro-foilers., julia zaltzman, julia zaltzman's most recent stories.

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About 60 tenders of all stripes and sizes were on display at last month’s Monaco Yacht Show , from Novamarine’s Black Shiver 160, stretching 56 feet in length (too large for most superyachts to carry on board) to the small 26-foot Lanéva Dayboat, built for performance with a responsive, electric drivetrain.

These days, most superyachts over 120 feet carry at least two tenders on board. Twenty years ago, when the average superyacht size was closer to 80 feet, that would’ve meant a RIB for the crew and a Boston Whaler for guests. Today, it’s not uncommon for gigayachts over 250 feet to have much larger, elaborate limousine tenders with a roof that slides over the cabin, an open sports tender for convenience, and even a Zodiac for heading into remote regions.

The 303-foot Tatoosh , built by Nobiskrug in 2000, was among the first yachts with a deck that carries two 39-foot tenders: a Hinckley motoryacht and a Frers daysailer. It also holds three other tenders, a safety boat and four Sea-Doos. Meanwhile, the 296-foot classic yacht Nero , also on display last month at the Monaco show, brings glamor to any occasion with its custom-built wooden Corsair tender. At the futuristic end, America’s Cup Emirates Team New Zealand last year launched a hydrogen-fuel-celled tender, Chase 0 , to show that emissions-free hydrogen fuel cells could be a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

“Many superyacht owners and project managers are looking to tender manufacturers to bridge the gap between performance and ocean preservation,” Mark Pascoe, founder of Falcon Tenders, told Robb Report, noting the company uses the latest hybrid and electric propulsion in its tenders.  Sustainability is indeed a big theme for tender manufacturers, and many new electric runabout builders are out to convince yacht owners that they can offer the same performance and comfort as a conventional tender, but without the emissions.

In the end, however, there are really just two types of tenders: Those designed to fit into a yacht’s garage, or those that serve as shuttles from the owner’s home port to the mothership.

That means styles and sizes are very much up to the owners. Here are 10 of our favorites, from the Tyde electric hydro-foiler to Riva’s iconic mahogany Aquarama.

Hodgdon Limousine

Heading for a shipyard in Northern Europe to be paired with a superyacht, Hodgdon’s new Limousine has accommodations for up 15, with both forward and aft outside seating areas, a wetbar, climate-controlled interior and a T-top that lowers for when the tender is stowed in the yacht’s garage. It also has gyro stabilizers to minimize motion sickness. The Michael Peters’ design looks more like a Downeast express cruiser than a traditional limo. The deep-V hull is fast and designed for stability in rough water, while the twin Volvo D4-320 engines deliver speed when necessary. The Maine shipyard’s dedication to quality is seen throughout the yacht, including the stainless on the exterior and custom upholstery inside. Even the Hodgdon signature flush anchor is custom fabricated.

Compass Limousine for Oceanco ‘H3’

Custom-built for the 344-foot Oceanco H3 (ex-Al Mirqab and listed among the 25 largest yachts in the world) this 36-foot limousine bears subtle styling characteristics taken from the mothership’s exterior design, including the window shape and hard-top detailing. The cabin features custom leather seating, stainless-steel trim, leather paneling, and a geometric teak floor. There is also an integrated AV system, ambient lighting and forward-facing cameras that display the tender’s journey on twin screens. Access to the cabin is through sliding glass doors fore and aft, while an electric sliding-glass roof opens the interior to the outdoors.

Falcon Project KD

Making its world debut in Monaco last month was Project KD from British builder Falcon Tenders . The custom 32-foot limousine tender was commissioned by the owner of a 210-foot Sanlorenzo yacht due to deliver next year. The fully finished exterior has fiber-optic light lines by Fibr8, powered by lasers to evenly emit light over long distances. The interior design remains under wraps until the unveiling next year. But if Falcon’s recent tenders, the Miss Wonderly and Miss Le Blanc, are anything to go by, the quality of build as well as features like the leather upholstery with its intricate hand-stitched seams, will make Project KD a tender worth waiting to see.

Brabus Shadow 300

Available in two models—a Cross-Bow or Cross-Top—the Brabus Shadow 300 is designed with powerboat enthusiasts in mind. Agile and easy to handle, the 25-foot sportster makes a good superyacht tender. The top speed of 50 knots, thanks to a Mercury 300R V8 racing engine, assures swift passage from the yacht to port. It’s also a great boat for watersports since it’s fitted with a pole for water-skiing, inflatable towing and wakeboarding. Not big enough? Its 38-foot Shadow 900 Black Ops Boat certainly provides a larger and very different look. 

J-Craft Torpedo ‘BaBeBi’

Turning heads at both Cannes and Monaco this year was J-Craft’s 42-foot Torpedo BaBeBi . The Swedish builder’s first Torpedo with a metallic-colored hull sports a beautiful brass and off-white interior enhanced by diamond stitching. It’s twinned with serious functionality, capable of sailing in open water and certified to withstand 13-foot waves. Taking over 9,000 man-hours to build and fitted with two Volvo Penta IPS 650s, BaBeBi delivers a top speed of 47 knots. Equipped with lithium batteries for a full day on the water with the engines off, it has a 280-nautical mile range, a convertible open cockpit with two sundecks, and sleeps up to four guests for weekend retreats.

Cockwells ‘Titian ‘Tender

The custom 34-foot Titian tender built by U.K.-based Cockwells is equipped with old-school features like specially cast stainless-steel fittings on the exterior and a Corian and copper galley belowdecks. Its advanced electronics include a virtual anchor and touchscreen digital switching system. Powered by a highly maneuverable twin jet drive, the Titian played a starring role in fashion brand Michael Kors’s 2022 advertising campaign called ‘The Thrill of the Chase’, which saw Bella Hadid aboard the tender on London’s River Thames with Alton Mason in hot pursuit. Finished to superyacht quality standards, Titian won the “Pre-1980s” category of the Concours d’Elégance at last year’s Cannes Yachting Festival. Cockwells also has other mutliple designs under its sleeve. It recently showed a 39-foot hydrofoil limousine that can theoretically cruise at 40 knots. 

Riva Aquarama

No tender round-up is complete without mentioning the Riva Aquarama —the most famous of all Carlo Riva’s designs. The Italian builder’s iconic luxury wooden runabout saw a limited run of 281 Aquarama Normals and Supers between 1962 and 1972, when Riva still owned the shipyard, and then 277 more, called the Special, were built in the next two decades. The Aquarama’s speed, grace, and craftsmanship make it a much-desired primary boat, not to mention the world’s most stylish tender. Prices for historically correct can range between $400,000 and $800,000, but much will depend on the actual model and number within the series.

Williams DieselJet 565

Williams is one of the perennial names in RIB tenders, with multiple yacht builders designing their garages around specific models. The DieselJet 565 has several advantages over competitors. First, it’s a jet drive so driving is reliable and maneuverability is excellent. Secondly, it runs on diesel, the preferred fuel for many owners who don’t want to carry the more flammable gasoline on the yacht if they don’t have to. Finally, this nine-passenger design should be able to carry owners and guests in one trip, two in a pinch. Williams paid attention to the details that matter, like ergonomic seating, decent storage, grab rails, and even an optional plate on the yacht’s stern that illuminates the name of the mothership. 

Lanéva Dayboat

The Lanéva all-electric dayboat is equipped with a lithium polymer battery designed for military operations, while the two axial-flow motors are used in aviation. It has a wood structure, a deck comprised of sustainable flax and volcanic fibers, a cork floor and a 100 percent recyclable leatherette upholstery. Sporting a cobalt-blue hull, the 26-foot boat brings performance to electric tender design.

The Tyde Icon is a wild-looking 43-footer, a wedge-shaped electric boat that foils to 30 knots. It’s definitely not designed to be loaded into a superyacht garage. But it can make a head-turning tender between an owner’s home and the mothership. Designed in collaboration with BMW, the yacht has large windows for vewing the water as well as lounge chairs across the enclosed cabin. A pair of 100 kW electric motors convert the 240 kWh of energy supplied by six batteries from the BMW i3 for a range of more than 50 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 24 knots.

Sacs Rebel 47

The Sacs Rebel 47 is a great example of a large rigid-hulled inflatable that can serve as both a tender and primary day boat for the owner. It has multiple seating areas across the exterior and a generous cabin below-decks for cooking or taking a nap. The boat’s offshore hull is designed to run at speed in rough water, and of course, the inflatable collar adds an element of buoyancy to the design. With two 440 hp Volvo D6 sterndrives, the boat has a top end of 38 knots. But with three Yamaha 425 hp XTO outboards, that jumps to 50 knots. 

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Make Restocking Enjoyable With the Spacious Falcon 420

The feeling of sailing on a yacht or powerboat can’t be beaten. While you kick up your heels, relax and feel the stress of everyday life slip away, the last thing on your mind should be restocking your supplies. The Falcon 420 RIB tender can take away the hassle and inconvenience of restocking or picking passengers from the dock.

The Falcon 420 is a 13-foot tender with comfortable seating for seven people. Because the boat is shock absorbent, you and your traveling companions will remain comfortable even if the wind is stirring up the water.

Our 13-foot tender is more than six feet wide — offering plenty of space for your passengers to get around comfortably. Even if Mother Nature is less than pleasant, you’ll still be able to navigate your RIB tender’s floor space safely thanks to the boat’s thoughtfully placed hand grips.

MAIN SPECIFICATIONS

13′ 10″

6′ 3″

An Inflatable Tender That’s as Versatile as It Is Capable

If you’re looking for a 13-foot luxury tender for sale, we invite you to visit one of our showrooms so you can see just how versatile and capable the Falcon 420 is. The boat’s engine can crank out up to 60 horsepower — enough power to cut through the surf and deliver supplies and people with ease.

When it’s fully equipped, the Falcon 420 weighs less than 805 pounds. But despite its light weight, the tender can still haul nearly 2,100 pounds in a single trip.

The Falcon 420’s size makes it easy for you to take to the shore whenever you want to enjoy a night on the town. It’s also a convenient means to explore the shoreline and discover hidden coves without having to pull your larger boat’s anchor.

Whether you’re transporting goods or people in your Falcon 420, you’ll feel confident behind the wheel knowing that your vessel is neither tippable nor sinkable. If you’re going to let your kids use your tender for the first time, you’ll be glad to know that the RIB will not cause damage if it hits another boat.

Let your worries about cleaning, maintaining and transporting your vessel melt away — the Falcon 420 is a breeze to clean and maintain. You can even get your vessel from one launch point to another without having to worry about towing.

Contact BRIG USA for More Information

Once you step foot in the Falcon 420, your search for a premium tender will be over. Manufactured in Europe using lightweight and durable materials, competitively priced and safe — it doesn’t get any better than the Falcon 420. To learn more about this tender or our extensive inventory of RIBs, contact BRIG USA today.

FEATURES AND FIGURES

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Practical Boat Owner

• Digital edition

Best inflatable boat: 9 compact tenders put to the test

• Robert Melotti
• September 9, 2021

Rob Melotti and the PBO test team put some lightweight, portable inflatable dinghies through their paces in Lymington to find the best inflatable boat

Inflatables are everywhere: paddleboards , canoes, kayaks , tents, kites and wings – and inflatable boat technology has long been a practical option for tenders, RIBs, liferafts and lifejackets .

But what the ‘new wave’ of inflatable boats brings to the practical boating landscape is the air floor, which makes very stable, very lightweight tenders a very practical option for people with limited stowage ie owners of cruising boats under 30ft.

And the market has responded with a selection of offerings under 2.4m weighing under 20kg. So which is the best and what should you be looking for to get the most for your money?

We tested nine models sold by eight different brand names. The inflatable boats were superficially quite similar, but in the accumulation of small details it was possible to pick a few favourites.

We rowed and motored all of the inflatable boats solo, and most of them with two aboard. We weighed and measured them and found a lot to like.

What’s the best inflatable boat? 9 options tested

3D Twin V Shape 230 Air Deck Tender was a good all-round performer – and best on test

3D Twin V Shape 230 Air deck tender

French manufacturer 3D Tender was one of the earliest producers of ultralight inflatable tenders. This model sports premium touches, such as davit rings and the most high-spec pump of all the inflatable boats on test.

In terms of convenience it is a rucksack carry bag with a large front pocket for the pump and accessories. The zips will need maintenance though.

The V floor is a single chamber, keeping set-up time to a minimum and keeping the weight down. The lack of safety lines on the side makes carrying as a two-person team a little less convenient than some of the other inflatable boats, but the keel strip will help preserve this boat.

The rowlocks double as cleats and the rubbing strake will provide strength but little in the way of splashproofing for passengers.

Buy it now on oceanfirstmarine.co.uk

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

Force 4 02Lite was the lightest on test

Force 4 02Lite

This model is very similar to the Seago Go Lite (also tested), including the rucksack, which was our favourite on test for carrying comfort, although you do have to beware of any loose objects inside the bag dropping out of the side enclosure flap.

The Force 4 02Lite was the lightest package overall and packed down to just 90cm long.

The oars were the smallest on test, which affected the rowing performance, but it was the only inflatable boat with open rowlocks – so you can use your own oars.

The bench is adjustable, but I wasn’t able to position it far enough aft to brace my feet against the transom under oars.

There are three D-rings for making a towing bridle on the bow but no ergonomic carry handle.

The rubbing strake is minimal with no splash guard and there are no davit lifting eyes.

Buy it now on force4.co.uk

Crewsaver Air Deck 230 is solidly built and joint cheapest, but is outclassed by 3D Tender’s lightweight V floor design

Crewsaver Air Deck 230

Best cheap inflatable boat

The pack we were sent for testing had the incorrect seat included, but we were able to substitute a seat from one of the other inflatable boats on test without difficulty.

The rucksack doesn’t have a front pocket, but there are no zips to corrode and the adjustable webbing buckles mean the top opening of the bag is quite forgiving for repacking.

The safety lines are robustly attached to the hull, which is a feature that will pay dividends long-term, but adds a bit of weight.

The rubbing strake is also weighty, but the splash guards will keep water out of the boat.

The coned aft sponson caps are hard plastic, enabling vertical storage without damage and the rowlocks double as cleats.

There are davit rings in the bow and through the thick transom board, plus the bow handle is wide for ergonomic carrying.

Buy it now on crewsaver.com

Excel Ventura SL200

From a Midlands-based company that specialises in inflatable boats, this came with a great double-action hand pump and was the only boat on test with an over-pressure valve – a useful feature for exposure to the hot sun.

The safety lines are sturdily attached and splash guards make up part of the rubbing strake protecting the sides and keeping water out of the boat.

The rowlocks double as cleats and the bow handle is wide enough for a proper grip.

Excel Ventura SL200’s double action hand pump made short work of inflation

Davit fittings are supplied and the sponsons are shaped to add waterline length and buoyancy aft. The duffel carry bag was the sturdiest on test.

This inflatable boat comes with a good long set of oars, although we had to sit side-by-side to make any progress under oars with two adults on board.

Buy it now on excel-inflatables.co.uk

Quicksilver was big – but also heavy

Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240

This boat has an inflatable keel as well as a removable inflatable floor. There was also a rigid slat athwartship between the floor and keel, which increases the weight overall.

This is one of the priciest and heaviest inflatable boats on the test and one of the largest in packed dimensions.

It features a fuel tank strap, a decent keel strip to prevent damage on slipways, a decent bow carry handle and rowlock cleats.

The rubbing strake is quite meaty as well without being particularly splashproof.

The carry bag is very forgiving – opening flat like a groundsheet.

There were no carry handles on the sponsons and the safety rope fixings aren’t as solid as many of the other inflatable boats on test, although there are rowlock cleats and the seat is fully adjustable.

Buy it now on eBay

Light weight makes for easy handling on land and in the water

Seago Go Lite 230

Seago is a distributor, supplying UK chandleries and there are similarities between this model and the 02Lite from Force 4.

This model is very light and compact – just 0.5kg heavier than Force 4, but packs down to the same 90cm length.

The oars are very short, but are fixed using a pin and thole system which some may prefer over the Force 4’s rowlocks.

The PVC material is described as 1100 Decitex (Force 4 is 800 Decitex) and the backpacks of the two were identical: comfortable to carry and forgiving to repack due to their large side aperture rather than a narrow top.

The rubbing strake is minimal and there is no ergonomic bow handle.

Buy it now on seagoyachting.co.uk

YAM 200T is not rated for two adults

This 2m inflatable boat has a fixed seat and was unique on the test for having wooden slats to reinforce the floor. This means less pumping up, but slightly increased weight.

Like the 3D tender there is no safety rope so carrying between two crew involves spreading your arms wide from bow handle to stern handle placed on the sponsons. It is rated for one adult and one child – the smallest by rating on the test.

There is a hefty rubbing strake with raised levels to block spray and the rowlocks double as cleats. The oars are miniature and the bow has three D-rings for rigging a towing bridle but no ergonomic handle for carrying. With two adults aboard we would have been better rowing side by side – but it was no slouch under engine.

Buy it now on bhg-marine.co.uk

The nicest boat on test to row

YAM 240 (STI) Air Floor Sport Tender

This is the most expensive model on test and features an inflatable keel as well as a floor section, plus two sponsons to inflate.

With that much to inflate a high quality pump would have been better, but there is a pressure gauge included in the package to get everything sufficiently firm.

The seat is fixed but the oars were nice and long, which made it the nicest boat to row. As with the YAM 200T there were no safety lines fitted and carry handles are spread far apart, which makes carrying more difficult.

But there is a good, ergonomic bow carry handle and the inflatable boat is rated to carry 400kg, the highest rating on test. The rowlocks double as cleats and the rounded aft end of the sponsons have protective, hard plastic caps.

Smaller diameter sponsons means more space aboard – but less freeboard

Talamex Superlight SLA230

Talamex is a Dutch brand imported by EP Barrus. This inflatable boat had the narrowest diameter sponsons on test, which creates more internal space, but less freeboard.

It’s an extremely lightweight package, with a thin transom board, but nice long oars and a good carrying handle on the bow.

The pump supplied is a single-action hand pump and the bag folds out completely flat like a groundsheet, which is very forgiving for repacking.

The bag has nice carrying handles on the narrow ends. The seat was massively adjustable and the rubbing strake is generous without offering very much splash guarding.

The safety rope attachments look a bit vulnerable and there are no other handles on the sponsons.

Launching the Seago 320

Verdict: Which was the best inflatable boat on test?

This group of inflatable boats can be subdivided in a few different ways: by length, by price and by weight (note there is also a group of rucksack boats and a trio of air-keel boats).

I think the best on test goes to the 3D Tender, which manages to keep the weight down, comes complete with a very high-spec pump, a very user-friendly rucksack bag with a big front pocket and a ‘slight V form floor’ that inflates as a single chamber.

There are no safety lines or a bow handle, so carrying the boat when inflated is less natural than some of the others and it’s the second most expensive.

The best bargain buy is probably the lightest, smallest package: Force 4, for me, is preferable to the very similar Seago model because of its ‘open’ rowlocks. But if you prefer captive oars, the Seago is slightly cheaper.

The Crewsaver is the same low price and probably more robust and seaworthy than the Force 4 or the Seago while being easier to carry when inflated than the 3D Tender. But without the V floor I think it’s a less versatile performer.

I didn’t see the benefit of the two 200cm dinghies we tested: both were noticeably small in use without being smaller to pack and stow or lighter to carry.

The 240cm V Floor models can carry bigger loads at greater speed, but if you really need that level of performance you have to accept the extra set-up time, weight and stowage.

Best inflatable boats – key facts and figures

What makes the best inflatable boat for you?

Rucksack bags were easiest to carry

The bag details matter when one of the main selling points of a product is its portability. We looked at handles, zips and overall design. Metal zips will corrode without a regular rinse in fresh water, but as long as the zipper track is plastic, then replacement zipper trucks can be fitted relatively cheaply.

Carry handles at the narrow ends are very useful and half of the inflatable boats tested can be carried as rucksacks. A few of the boats pack away in bags that deconstruct on all four sides like groundsheets, with webbing straps and adjustable buckles crossways and lengthways.

These are very forgiving and yet still pack up tightly and securely. We also looked at the quality of the bag material: is the bag likely to survive chafing, stretching, damp or UV exposure for as long as the dinghy itself?

We weighed each of the inflatable boats in their carry bags and found quite a variation in boat weights

Size, weight and price

Our facts table will quickly show you the lightest and smallest packs and there are four tenders priced under £500.

The two longest inflatable boats in the test (YAM 240 and Quicksilver 240) were in the biggest bags (110cm and 120cm respectively), and were the heaviest packs weighing over 20kg even without any accessories.

Only three of the nine tested boats weighed in at under 20kg straight out of the box. There was an 11kg difference between the lightest (Force 4 02Lite) and the heaviest (Quicksilver Tendy Airfloor 240).

The Force 4 comes in a rucksack bag that is 20cm shorter in length than the Quicksilver and over £100 cheaper.

But unless size, weight and price are your only criteria, then a simple numerical comparison could miss some important details.

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Pumps and pressure

Some of the air floors are rated for 1psi; others at 11psi. Most of the sponsons were rated at 3.6psi, which shouldn’t require too much brow mopping for foot- or hand-pump operators.

Five of the inflatable boats came with foot pumps, but the double-action hand pumps with the 3D and the Quicksilver were a joy to use.

All the boats were easily carried by two when inflated

Manual handling

It’s an ironic linguistic quirk that a tender should be so regularly treated without much tenderness. Even a few hours’ use on a clean slipway incurred scuffs, dings, grubby marks and a few minor tears to the carry bags.

Grass is far kinder than concrete for inflating, but is in short supply at busy locations. We looked at keel strips, rubbing strakes, safety line attachment points, bow handles and more… including the relationship between price, weight and fit-out.

First published in the September 2021 issue of Practical Boat Owner.

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Yachting World

• Digital Edition

Best inflatable boats: 6 affordable options for getting on the water

• Drew Maglio
• March 9, 2023

The best inflatable boats encompass a wide array of vessels with varied abilities that are suited to a myriad of purposes…

As a result, it is necessary to offer the following caveat and disclaimer: the term ‘inflatable boat’ can be confusing as there are some large RIBs (Rigid-hulled Inflatable Boats) with multiple high-powered engines that are designed to perform search and rescue operations in the most demanding coastal conditions imaginable, while other inflatable boats are suitable only for playing in a swimming pool or on a calm lake or river.

This guide highlights some of the best inflatable boats for various common and specific uses. Even the best inflatable kayak will be wholly unsuited to acting as a yacht tender ( see explainer below ), while the best yacht tender will likely not make an ideal inflatable fishing platform.

With so many designs available, it’s crucial to select the right inflatable boat for the job.

At a glance:

Note: We may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site, at no extra cost to you. This doesn’t affect our editorial independence.

6 of the best inflatable boats.

Inflatable Sport Boats Killer Whale

Best inflatable boat for use as a tender

First up on our list is arguably the best value, fully-modular PVC tender that can currently be purchased on the market. Featuring an 1,100 denier thread count and heat-welded seams backed by a 3-year warranty, this inflatable boat is sure to last a long time.

Coming in three different sizes with both modular aluminum and air floor options, there is an option to fit the requirements of most cruisers looking for a fully storable tender – a huge benefit for owners of sub-40ft boats.

While there are many options available, I would advise buyers to go with one of the 9.8’ or 10.8’ models with the solid, modular aluminum floor, as these have the best performance-to-price ratio. These models will also handle the best when blasting along in chop with up to a 15hp outboard.

While the 8.8’ model will be fine for lighter use, the 10.8’ is a lot more boat for not a lot more money or storage space onboard. However, if speed of set-up is your priority, the easiest models to set up and break down are without a doubt the air floor models.

Reasons to buy

– Heat-welded seams – 3-year warranty – Semi-rigid floor – Includes all necessary accessories like bag, pump, oars, bench, etc. – Some air floor models feature EVA faux teak decking

Reasons to avoid

– Fairly expensive for a PVC tender (close to some cheaper glued Hypalon options) – Not as rigid as a true RIB – Can only take up to a 15hp outboard – Modular aluminum floor options can be more difficult to install than air floor models – Wide, light inflatable boats without a keel such as these tend to row very poorly

Specifications 

– Size: 10.8 feet

– Weight: 80 pounds

– Material: h eat-welded re-enforced UV and puncture resistant PVC

– Capacity: 5 person

West Marine RIB 350

– Tremendous value – Quality materials – Very robust and capable

– Big and heavy – Requires serious storage/lifting capabilities – Fiberglass floor will require more maintenance and is also heavier – Still nearly $4,000

– Size:  Length: 11 feet 5 inches

– Weight: 161 pounds

– Material:  Floor:  fiberglass |  Transom construction:  fiberglass and birch marine plywood

– Capacity: 1320 pounds./4 person

Next up on our list is a premium but affordable RIB option for cruisers with either davits or a spot on the foredeck of their yacht, looking for a tender with a lot of capability.

This model features a double-floor, lift points, and an integrated anchor locker. At 161lbs and 11’6”, this model is hefty, but this sturdy construction allows the RIB to sport up to a 25hp outboard.

Coming in at under $4,000, the RIB-350 is priced well below many of the other offerings on the market, and is of sound construction and materials.

While the RIB-350 is a very good and affordable dinghy option for serious cruisers, I would like to see a double aluminum floor option in the future.

Buy it now on West Marine

Inflatable kayaks and other inflatable row boats

While the boats above are undoubtedly some of the best fully inflatable boats on the market, they are ill-suited to applications where rowing is preferred or required. For the sake of exploring rivers, streams, or even lakes by paddle, an inflatable kayak is a much better option.

Unlike their solid cousins, inflatable kayaks are surprisingly stable, while retaining many of the unique properties of a solid kayak — such as exceptional tracking through the water, good speed, inertia, etc.

Inflatable kayaks tend to accomplish these things by having a completely flat bottom, with the exception of a rigid fin that typically slides into place on a stitched track that is integral to the bottom of the kayak. From there, there are many unique and proprietary features that differentiate one inflatable kayak offering from another.

For small boats of 20-28’ without the ability to launch or store a proper tender, an inflatable kayak can often be a way to add versatility without many of the downsides that come with owning and operating what is essentially another vessel (i.e. cost, storage space and additional fuel storage).

Intex Explorer K2 Kayak

– Very directionally stable thanks to the included skeg – Lightweight and easy to carry – Fast – Comfortable to sit in

– Only comes in one color – No storage nets or bin

– Size: Display length: 58.74 centimetres

– Weight: 13.4 kilograms

– Material: vinyl

– Capacity: 350 pounds / 2 person

The Intex Explorer is the company’s no-frills, functional inflatable kayak that is designed for two people.

Although not as stiff and robust as more premium options, the Index Explorer will work wonderfully well for exploring lakes and rivers and may even be used in some very calm coastal areas.

Intex Challenger K2

Best tried and tested inflatable kayak

– Affordable – Has cargo net to hold gear – Nicer color than Explorer

– Not as rigid as the Excursion Pro – Low bow makes it susceptible to splashing

– Size:  Inflated size: 11 feet 6 inches X 2 feet 6 inches X 1 foot 3 inches

– Weight: 36.4 pounds

– Capacity: 2 person

The Intex Challenger K2 is the company’s mid-range inflatable kayak and the one that I have owned and enjoyed for years.

Like the other models, the Challenger K2 features a fully-inflatable construction, detachable skeg that slides into place, and inflatable seats that are actually very comfortable.

Despite the similar cost, the Challenger K2 has one benefit over the Explorer that is noteworthy: the cargo net is actually surprisingly useful as I always find myself stowing gear like life jackets, waterproof cameras, etc. underneath it.

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Intex Excursion Pro K2

Best inflatable boat for rowing

– Higher pressure air tubes to increase rigidity – Integrated foot rests and rod holders – Comes with two different skegs for shallow and deep water

– Only comes in one colour – No dedicated storage solution for gear

– Size: Inflated size: 12 feet 7 inches x 3 feet 1 inch x 1 foot 6 inches

– Weight: 19.77 kilograms

– Material: plastic

The Excursion Pro is Intex’s premium inflatable kayak, although it is still very affordable. This model features a more rugged construction and numerous creature comforts like foot rests and integrated rod holders.

More pronounced coverings also create small storage cubbies at either end of the kayak, although it would be nice to see a dedicated storage bag on future models.

Classic Accessories Colorado Pontoon Boat

Best inflatable boat for fishing

– Rugged steel frame construction – Abrasion-resistant bottom – Elevated seat allows for better visibility and functionality – Pontoon design makes boat more stable – Lots of integrated storage

– Fairly expensive for what is essentially an inflatable fishing raft – Cannot accept an outboard motor – Steel frame could rust over time if used in salt water

– Size: Assembled size: 108 inches L x 56 inches W x 28 inches H

– Weight: 77 pounds

– Material: PVC bottom, tough nylon top, powder-coated steel tube frame, bronze oar locks, cold and heat-resistant bladders and rugged 7-foot two-piece aluminum oars

– Capacity: one person

The final inflatable boat on our list is the Colorado, offered by Classic Accessories, which has been designed primarily as an epic river fishing platform for a single user.

With an abrasion-resistant bottom, this river raft was made for navigating the craggy shallows that trout and other freshwater fish tend to inhabit.

With a rugged steel frame and a wealth of storage, including rod holders, this pontoon boat is the mountain angler’s ultimate tool. This raft can also be fitted with a trolling motor.

What makes an inflatable boat a tender?

In the context of inflatable boats, a tender is a small inflatable boat designed to be an auxiliary vessel to a larger boat or yacht. There are many types of tenders, including those with rigid bottoms as well as wholly inflatable and storable models.

Tenders may be very expensive or very cheap depending on the design. Typically, the most expensive tenders are constructed with painted aluminum bottoms and double floors, where the walking surface is covered with some type of faux teak vinyl or foam decking.

On these more expensive tenders, the tubes are typically constructed of heat-welded (rather than glued) hypalon, which is far more durable to UV than PVC.

Therefore, fully-fledged tenders are typically the preserve of wealthy liveaboard cruisers who spend most of their time in tropical regions where their tender is in use nearly all of the time and is therefore constantly exposed to UV radiation.

For casual part-time and/or temperate cruisers, more affordable but equally suitable, tender options exist. For less demanding applications where stowage ability and modularity takes precedence, fully-inflatable boats with an aluminum floor are often preferred, though a model with a rigid air floor may also be used.

In terms of rigidity while underway, expect boats with an aluminum hull and double floor to be the most rigid, while air-floor models are typically the least rigid and therefore the worst option for handling coastal chop and outboards above 10hp.

RIBs with fiberglass hulls and floors also exist, but these are typically heavier, not as rigid, and also prone to degradation from constant immersion in water (blisters) and UV radiation (chalking).

While fiberglass is a wonderful material for larger vessels, I do not recommend it for RIBs as aluminum tends to be a much more performant and long-lasting choice.

Didn’t find what you’re looking for? Head to Amazon’s dedicated sailing page for more marine products.

The Best Inflatable Yacht Tenders

Investing in the best inflatable yacht tenders will amp up your relaxation and make boarding your yacht much easier when you take it out for a spin. 

Yachting has been one of the favorite pastimes and leisures of many SoCal water adventurers. And when it comes to boarding your yacht, tenders are staples in boarding to and fro the yacht. 

Here are the best inflatable tenders you can use for your holiday fun on the yacht. 

6 Best Inflatable Yacht Tenders for 2023

• Takacat 260 LX Innovative Tender
• 12′ Saturn Kaboat
• Newport Vessel
• Zodiac Cadet RIB ALU DL
• HydroForce Mirovia Pro 10’10” Inflatable Boat

1. Takacat 260 LX Innovative Tender

Takacat 260 LX is a custom-made PVC designed innovative tender. The inflatable boat features an air deck floor for a high tensile rigid hull core. It has an aerodynamic bow design that will get you over the rough and choppy waters to your yacht in no time.

With Takacat, you don’t have to worry about boarding your mothership wet as it has a new open transom and raised deck to keep water out and the floor dry. This heavy-duty, innovative tender has let go of the old and heavier traditional aluminum design and replaced it with innovative materials.

This design makes the tender lightweight and easy to use because of the drop stitch fabrics for the high-pressure removable floor. It boasts convenience through its fully removable Tube Transom, which makes rolling and folding this inflatable yacht tender super easy to store and carry.

What makes it even better is that the seams are chemically bonded with glue, which is advantageous for foldable inflatables as welded seams tend to become brittle and leak. Like a true inflatable catamaran yacht tender, Takacat LX 260 stands out with its innovative open bow, making it versatile and the best inflatable yacht tender for diving , swimming, snorkeling, or transporting from the shore to your yacht.

It has a powerful outboard of two to eight hp to transport approximately two people comfortably. Power, comfort, and safety make Takacat the first and best choice among your many yacht tender options.

2. 12′ Saturn Kaboat

Saturn Kaboat is a crossover between a kayak and an inflatable boat. What’s good about the Saturn is you have the choice to paddle around like in a kayak as it now comes with its own rowing oars. Or if you want to save your energy and fuel it as a motorboat with its gas or electric engine.

Being lightweight and narrow, Saturn Kaboat will zip you through the water to your yacht faster. It will also allow you to explore tight spots bigger tenders can’t access. This yacht tender is portable and will fit into a medium carry bag for easy transport when traveling.

Two people can board this yacht tender with its 500 lbs weight loading capacity. This yacht tender can also be a versatile boat for many sailing options as it also features a drop-stitch air floor to ensure stability. 

3. Newport Vessel

The inflatable sport boat yacht tender is a USCG rated triple-layered coated PVC boat, including aluminum-made materials. The anti-corrosive-coated PVC materials ensure protection against corrosion, sun, salt, and other elements that can destroy the inflatable boat.

The quality lightweight yacht tender is heavy duty and can board many people without compromising cruising performance. It comes in aluminum framed marine wood flooring, bench seat, and oars. 

4. Zodiac Cadet RIB ALU DL

The rigid inflatable boat is a good choice to use as an inflatable yacht tender as it has integrated transom supports for safe transport. This inflatable tender features a safe and comfortable ride with its removable cushion seats, foot pump, oars, and repair kit.

Additionally, you will not have a problem lifting the Zodiac to where you want it as it has four handles for easy carry, lifting points, and towing eyes.

It is possible to fit a fuel tank in this inflatable boat’s bow storage or an anchor locker. The floor is anti-slip, which helps passengers not slip while boarding and unboarding the yacht tender. 

5. HydroForce Mirovia Pro 10’10” Inflatable Boat

Hydro-Force Mirovia is a four high-density nylon PVC with a high-pressure inflatable keel for buoyancy. The heavy-grade PVC resists UV degradation, abrasion, and other destructive elements.

It’s lightweight because the floorboards and transom are made of marine-grade plywood, which you can just roll up when storing. Additionally, this boat does not take time to assemble, as it does not need complicated tools.

It is protected against impacts and friction with its extra tough strake. With its load capacity of 1411 lbs, you can board four adults and one child in the Hydro-force Mirovia Tender. 

6. Scout 365

One of the versatile inflatable boats is the Scout 365, which can be used for many water sports activities in any body of water. This inflatable boat fits two people and ensures portability as it can roll up into a bag for easy storage.

The unique Scout design features one of the best lightweight, durable, and compact inflatable boats. You will have no trouble standing up on this inflatable tender as it offers stability with its high bow and flat bottom, combined with a small outboard motor for gas or electric use. 

Yacht Tender Safety Tips

When cruising out in the water, you should primarily think about boat safety as the wind and water conditions are not predictable. It’s better to come prepared all of the time. Here are some safety tips when on a yacht tender.

• The weather and tide may be unpredictable, but it is best to check the weather report to know what you’re in for when cruising the SoCal waters
• Always wear a life jacket when boarding your yacht tender, no matter how short the trip is
• If your boat does not come with oars, bring one to come prepared when your engine fails you
• Always make sure to have a means of communication with the authorities and other important contacts
• Don’t overload your yacht tender; always stick to the weight capacity
• Make sure to read your yacht tender manual, so you know how to maneuver your boat and to know what outboard motor fits
• Always keep a puncture repair kit ashore and in the yacht in case of emergency.

Insider Advice

Yachting is fun, but every time you’re out in the water is a risk to your safety. When boarding your yacht tender, it’s essential to know how to maneuver your inflatable dinghy safely. Taking the  California-approved boating safety courses  should be a priority when you plan on purchasing the best yacht tender.

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Pork Rib Soup With Figs

In Taiwan, pork rib soup is a common tonic—usually served with chopped daikon. This dried fig and pork soup is a delightful twist on the classic. Turkish figs add an unexpected caramel-like body to the broth and give the soup a bright, honey-amber hue. Figs are rich in calcium and potassium, which can help the body improve bone density and with muscle contractions. They’re also considered a natural laxative, which is especially helpful during the postpartum period when things can get a bit—ahem—backed up.

This dish is straightforward; it’s mostly just pork ribs and figs boiled in water, then seasoned with salt. But as simple as that might sound, there are a couple of details that help make it pop. The key to getting a clean broth is parboiling the ribs first. This is a common technique used in Taiwan and throughout Asia that gets rid of any gamey, lingering notes in the meat. If you have particularly fatty pork, you can continue skimming the scum from the surface of the soup as it cooks. I prefer using 1" cubes of pork spare ribs because they’re easy to eat. You can often find this cut at Asian markets , or you can ask your butcher to cut them this way. Then they’re cooked low and slow, which helps to preserve the clarity of the soup, with rice wine, scallions, and ginger until the meat is soft and tender. Whole figs are typical, but I prefer cutting them in half. It’s a good way to impart more flavor, and they’ll fit on a soup spoon more readily.

Read more: 30 Days (of Soup) at a Postpartum Hotel

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What you’ll need

$133 $80 At Amazon

Fine-Mesh Skimmer

$6 At Amazon

Recipe information

1 hour 20 minutes

Ingredients

Preparation.

Place 1½ lb. pork spare ribs, cut into 1" pieces , in a medium Dutch oven or other heavy pot and pour in water to cover. Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat to medium and simmer briskly until meat has expelled scum (water will look dull and dirty), about 5 minutes. Drain ribs in a colander and rinse under cool running water to remove any scum.

Bring 7 cups water to a rolling boil in a large pot over high heat. Carefully add ribs, 2 scallions, tied separately into knots , one 2" piece ginger, scrubbed, sliced , 3–4 dried Turkish figs (about 2 oz.), halved , and 2 Tbsp. dry rice wine (michiu or sake) . Cover and return to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer gently, checking occasionally to maintain a low simmer and removing any foam from surface, until meat is tender, 45–60 minutes. Stir in 1 Tbsp. Diamond Crystal or 1¾ tsp. Morton kosher salt ; taste and season with more salt if needed.

Remove ginger and scallions; discard. Ladle soup into bowls and serve with steamed rice if desired.

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